Music critics, journos and students give their recommendations for songs that will pump you up for exams• What songs do you listen to before entering the exam hall? Join in the debate by posting your suggestions in the comments thread

As he visits Leeds today, Stephen Twigg, Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby and shadow education secretary writes exclusively for the Guardian Northerner. He argues that "fantastic" things are happening in northern schools despite, not because of, the Government's policies.

As children head back to school, growing numbers of families are opting for 'education otherwise.' Home education networks in North, West and South Yorkshire report a dramatic increase in members, with even higher concentrations in Lancashire. But as Ann Czernik reports, there is a snag